Mawlai Reclaim SPL Crown in Style

Mawlai SC have reclaimed the Shillong Premier League crown in emphatic fashion, dismantling Rangdajied United 5–0 at the SSA Stadium in Polo on Tuesday to seal their third SPL championship. With 21 points from nine matches, Mawlai finished their league campaign beyond the reach of their rivals, leaving no doubt about their credentials after two successive seasons in which the title had slipped away at the final hurdle. Under head coach Hering Shangpliang, Mawlai produced a campaign defined by attacking efficiency, defensive discipline and consistency. They won six matches and drew three, remaining unbeaten throughout the season while conceding just twice — the best defensive record in the competition. Their 17 goals also placed them among the league's most productive sides, matching the highest tally at the time of their title-clinching victory. A statement victory to seal the crown Mawlai wasted little time asserting their dominance against Rangdajied United, racing into a three-goal lead inside the opening 22 minutes. Basuklang Bina opened the scoring in the 13th minute before Arkini Laloo doubled the advantage just three minutes later. Fairming Suting then made it 3–0 in the 22nd minute, putting Mawlai firmly in control before the contest had reached its halfway point. After a quieter spell following the interval, Mawlai struck twice in the closing stages to complete a memorable afternoon. Damanbhalang Chyne headed home in the 83rd minute from a Robertson free-kick before Ricky Chyne added the fifth in the 90th minute, putting the finishing touches on a commanding performance. The final whistle sparked celebrations among Mawlai's players, officials and supporters, with head coach Hering Shangpliang lifted into the air by his jubilant squad. Redemption after two seasons of heartbreak The championship carries particular significance for Mawlai, who had finished agonisingly short of the title in the previous two seasons. Having lifted the SPL trophies in 2022 and 2023, the club had established itself among Shillong's strongest sides but had been unable to repeat that success over the next two campaigns. This time, there was no last-day heartbreak. Mawlai took control of their destiny with an unbeaten run and delivered their most emphatic statement when the championship was on the line. The triumph marks Mawlai's third SPL title and the second under Shangpliang, underlining the coach's continued influence on the club. The champions' work is done Although Mawlai have settled the title race, the remaining fixtures will determine the final standings and the teams qualifying for the SSA Super Cup. Mawlai's players can now look back on a campaign in which their defensive resilience proved as important as their attacking threat. Conceding just two goals across nine matches is a remarkable achievement in a competitive league, while their ability to produce a five-goal performance in the decisive fixture provided a fitting conclusion to their season. The SPL trophy itself is due to be presented after the full league season concludes, but Mawlai's achievement is already secured. After two years of disappointment, the champions have returned to the summit of Shillong football — unbeaten, deserved and crowned in style.